Letters to the Editor - 10/30/08

Thursday

Oct 30, 2008 at 3:15 AM

(Editor's note: Due to the record volume of mail received as the Nov. 4 election approches, coupled with finite space, it has not been possible to include all letters to the editor received this week. We apologise if your opinion does not appear in the columns below.)

The real cost of contracts

To the Editor:

The contract dollar increases are not what the taxpayers want our city officials to solely base their decisions on for contract approvals. There are details in each contract that we consider hidden costs that have unintended consequences for the Taxpayers.

Unions write contracts that provide wage increases but it is the added benefits/stipends that are bleeding us dry! Why not read the fine print that "won't cost us much". So many benefits with no regard for the ability of the taxpayers to pay the bill.

In the Paraprofessional Contract, the actual pay increases range from 3.0 percent to a high of 12.9 percent, slightly different from the rates given by the union. Along with standard benefits they added a stipend in 2005. With a two-year degree which they can get at our expense, they got 50 cents more an hour. In 2007 that increased to 75 cents an hour and in 2009 it would go to 81 cents an hour. For health insurance coverage taxpayers pay 80 percent while 20 percent is paid by full timers. But the terms of this contract will have health insurance offered to all part-timers. Can we really afford this?

There are stipulations regarding waiting periods but the direction of these negotiations could eventually end up with the taxpayers paying 80 percent of all part-time employees of the city. According to City Hall the cost of this coverage went up a total of 6.9 percent last year.

With fluctuating insurance costs, how can any union calculate the total cost increases over a three- year contract? How many more benefits are the taxpayers required to cover? Where does this end? Vote Yes on the Tax & Spending Cap and make our city councilors review all the details of a contract which effect total costs to the taxpayers over the years!

Go to www.rochestertaxpayers.com for the details no one is telling you.

Taxed to the max!

Doris Gates

Rochester

Jeb Bradley doesn't give busy signal

To the Editor:

Prior to my son's second deployment to Iraq last March, I was stunned to find out that his cell phone bill was running around $400 a month. When questioning him on the bill, he told me that the Army wanted to be able to contact him 24/7 because he was the regimental logistician and most if not all of the phone minutes were related to calls to other members of his unit on official business.

My first question to him was what did the Army do 10 years ago before cell phones. I called my representatives in Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter and Sen. Judd Gregg — to see if they could look into this financial abuse without any compensation. Having spent 22 years in the Air Force, I knew that the Army would probably say that it was not mandatory that soldiers use their cell phones. I also realize that "stuff flows down hill."

I further found out that my daughter-in-law, who was also preparing to go to Iraq in March with my son, had a similar bill with a less hectic job.

The results from my call was a well-crafted letter from Sen. Gregg regarding the issue. He had looked into the problem and stated, as I would expect, that the Army does not require soldier to use their cell phones for official business. From Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter absolutely nothing. Nada! Not a letter or a phone call. Carol lives in Rochester. She wouldn't have even had to use up her cell phone minutes. So much for supporting the troops.

My vote is with Jeb Bradley for Congress. In my contacts with Jeb, his first question to me has always been, "how are your son and daughter-in-law doing?"

His support for the troops in all ways is why you see so many "Veterans for Jeb Bradley" bumper stickers on vehicles. Vote Jeb Bradley for Congress.

Jim Twombly

Rochester

VFW PAC for Bradley, not Shea-Porter

To the Editor:

Carol Shea-Porter has been telling everyone that she has been endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee. As last year's State Commander, it was part of my duties to let the National PAC know which candidates that our state would want to endorse. In June of this year, I received a letter from the National PAC stating that if we did not respond by a certain date, they were going to endorse Senator John Sununu and Congresswomen Carol Shea-Porter. We typed a letter stating that we agreed with the endorsement of Senator Sununu, but most emphatically did not agree with the endorsement of Carol Shea-Porter. This letter was signed by myself as State Commander, the State Adjutant and the State Senior-Vice Commander, now the State Commander. It was then faxed to the National PAC office in Washington D.C. Somehow it never arrived at its final destination. We did not find this out until late September, and we immediately sent another copy of the letter, but it was too late. Unfortunately, the mistake had already been made and the wrong candidate had been endorsed for Congress. We also sent a letter asking that PAC instead endorse Jeb Bradley for Congress. I want it made clear, that we the State of New Hampshire, VFW leadership had no intention of having the PAC endorse anyone other than Jeb Bradley for Congress, and Senator Sununu for the U.S. Senate.

John J. Calo

Past Department Commander

Veterans of Foreign Wars,

Department of New Hampshire

Rochester

Concerned Rochester taxpayer on paraprofessionals

To the Editor:

This letter goes out to all the paraprofessionals that attended the City Council meeting Oct. 22, 2008. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the meeting but I did watch it as it was televised.

You state that your are professionals and deserve better. I beg to differ.

I found you to be the rudest group of women that I ever had the misfortune of watching and a sad day for all of you and us. For starters my grandsons were watching with me and saw a number of you that worked at their school. As various taxpayers spoke, and when you did not like what you heard, I must say the rolling of eyes, nasty faces, shaking of your heads and hand gestures were despicable. This behavior was viewed by my grandchildren. I hope they ask you what your problem was when they see you.

You state you are there for the children. The only thing you taught the children is how to be rude when others are speaking. Life is tough. Buck up.

You are not the only ones who have not gotten a raise and have had their health care benefits increased. There are plenty of city employees who are in the same situation.

I am assuming that everyone has forgotten that the merit pool did not get funded. Those individuals who are paid from the merit pool are just as important but because the city council did not have a to fight a union their raise was an easy cut. Yet they are not standing in front of the city council begging and whining. They also work eight-plus hours a day and five days are week and do not get the summer off. Some even went out and got a second job.

Sorry if getting a second job sounds offensive to you, but that is an option if you are having financial difficulties. You also have the option to move on to another town or city. The taxpayers in the private sector currently do not have the resources to make your life so cozy that you only have to work one job. Most people I know work two or more jobs so that they can heat their homes, buy groceries and take care of basic essentials.

You were offended by the term arrogant elitist, well I got news for you, you fit the definition perfectly.

Sue O'Connor

Rochester

Re-elect Cilley

To the Editor:

Voters are being barraged at the national level with more than election shenanigans, such as truly fearful negative advertising and campaign statements where truth can't even be found in the back seat. It would be easy for voters to smear with the same brush all incumbents regardless of party, including our elected state representatives. The easy action of choice would be to throw them all out of office.

Our currently elected State Senator, Jackie Cilley, has a notable record of service and accomplishment. I believe that because of this record, she deserves to be sent back to Concord for another term as the District 6 Senator. I have requested the Senator's assistance on several matters at the state level and she has always responded. Both as a private citizen and as a volunteer in Barrington, I could count on her to return calls and offer advice. It was not always what I wanted to hear, but it was always given with factual justification. In one instance, it became apparent that new legislation was needed to further a solution for Barrington on a knotty transportation problem. Senator Cilley agreed and sponsored a bill through the Legislative process.

The Senator is also Jackie Cilley, a real person. Jackie Cilley shows up at local events and that makes it a pretty easy way to get her ear. Calef's Country Store 2008 Baked Bean Bake-off had Jackie Cilley there with her family beans, passing them out right along with the other contestants. Over 200 people participating as baked bean judges and any number of others had a chance to chat with her. Baked beans create an unusual conversational atmosphere and New Englanders made the most of it, including conversations with their State Senator.

Please vote, and consider re-electing Jackie Cilley for another term as Senator from District 6.

Steve Conklin

Barrington

Send Bill Denley to the Senate

To the Editor:

I urge all Carroll County residents to vote for Bill Denley as our next State Senator. I have known Bill and his family for 25 years. I have served with Bill as a members of the Wakefield School Board and I know personally of his commitment to the education of our children. In addition to the School Board, Bill has served the town in other ways, both in and out of town government.

An Eagle Scout himself, he has always supported our local scouts, sometimes spending weeks in the summer backpacking and canoeing with them. He always beams with pride when given a chance to present the local boys with their rank advancements. Whether it is umping Little League games, hosting fundraisers in his barn or riding his motor scooter in parades in support of the Shriners Childrens' Hospitals, Bill always seems to be in the middle of efforts to support our kids.

I know Bill will always have our families in the forefront of his mind when he represents us in Concord as our Senator.

Linda Blackwood

East Wakefield

A slush fund by any other name...

To the Editor:

The issue of the improper expenditure of capital improvement funds by area police chiefs has been addressed by the County Commissioners. I thank them for their efforts and I am certain that any expenditures from the Strafford Dispatch Capital Improvement fund in the future will be for capital improvement as intended.

However, I have seen the cavalier attitude of some of the police chiefs when it comes to tax payers' dollars and how they are spent. They seem to think they are entitled to expend these dollars as they see fit, no questions asked. When asked, Milton Police Chief Mark McGowan said he's never heard of any misappropriations of the fund. If I lived in Milton, I would be concerned with Chief McGowan's decision making ability when he can't tell the difference between a capital improvement expense and a Hooter's bill.

Barrington Police Chief Richard Conway's solution was to have a meeting with the area chiefs and change the name of the fund to more reflect how the money is being spent. Chief Conway, you can put lipstick on a pig and it's still a pig and you can change the name of slush fund and it's still a slush fund. By the way, the chiefs don't have the authority to change the fund's name, only the commissioners and County Delegation can do that.

Jerry McCarthy

Farmington

Shea-Porter earns our support

To the Editor:

Two years ago, with little and late help from the National Democratic Party, a growing group of ordinary citizens joined together to support Carol Shea-Porter in her run for Congress. Donating small dollar amounts but large degrees of enthusiasm, we won. Carol became the first woman from New Hampshire elected to a federal office.

When Carol says she's there to represent the 99 percent of us, she means it. She has defied her own party leadership when they were wrong — she voted no on the $700 billion bail-out of Wall Street — and no to the second bill which even raised the amount of the bail-out to $850 billion, added pork projects and imposed little oversight on the banks getting our money.

She has won the endorsement from the National VFW for her steadfast votes to assure veterans receive the care they need. Yet the Republican National Committee is so frightened of this honest woman that they have targeted her seat as the number one Congressional seat to win back; they are pouring vast sums of advertising money into deceptive, distorted "Swift-boat" style attacks.

Let's show them we know better. Vote Carol Shea-Porter back into office for a second term. Let her continue to represent the 99 percent of us.

Susann Foster Brown

Milton

Remember the troops in Iraq

To the Editor:

As the election draws near and the economic situation worsens, it is easy to forget that we still have 150,000 troops in Iraq. The troops in Iraq are there for what we all know now was a mistake. Even those who want to continue the occupation admit that the reasons for invading were wrong. The level of violence in Iraq remains high. Mosul is the most dangerous city in the world. In Baghdad where the surge "worked," the violence is still appalling.

Our troops continue to suffer. Although they are not killed as frequently, they still risk their lives every day. Thousands of them come home with physical and psychological wounds.

The suicide rate for members of the armed forces is at an all-time high. They are in an impossible situation. Most Iraqis want them to leave. They cannot tell friend from foe. They are told they will have to stay until they "win," but they can't "win." They are like the troops in Vietnam. They will win any fire fight. They can defeat any military foe. They can go anywhere in the country, but military success does not mean they "win." There is no one who can surrender to them. The problem is political. The problem is one that only the Iraqis can solve. The Iraqis won't solve it as long as there is an occupation. The troops are in a no-win situation. No wonder the suicide rate is at an all-time high.

Remember the troops when you vote. Please vote for the candidate who will work to bring them home.

Emmanuel Krasner, Esquire

Farmington

Jeb as opportunist

To the Editor:

Mostly I do not like attack ads but that seems to be the vogue more than ever this year and even though I am an old fogey I don't want to miss out on the latest fashions.

Recently there was a letter about Bradley getting a deferment from Vietnam and heading to Switzerland. I don't know much about that since I was in the Army in Vietnam at the time.

But I do remember Jeb as a Democrat in his very early political career. Then when it was evident the Republicans were on the rise he became a Republican.

Now some people may see him as a convert but most of us who knew him back then see him as an opportunist and not a good public servant.

Carol Shea Porter replaced Bradley because many voters also saw this. She has served us well in Washington and I recommend you will vote to keep Carol Shea Porter as our representative. I received treatment at the VA in Manchester while Bradley was in office and I still receive treatment while Carol has been in office. I know the level of treatment has improved with Carol in office and she is still working to make it better. Bradley makes many claims but I see her work as positive improvements with my first hand experience.

Please return Carol to Washington to continue working for the us vets and all of us.

Wes Flierl

Vietnam veteran '68-'69

Rochester

The change it is a changin'

To the Editor:

Do I want a drink or beverage?

and what exactly makes a house a home?

While I accept pesto for pummeled basil

please don't trot your pudding out as mousse!

W. C., at least, refers to something porcelain

but "Restroom?" Who goes there to rest?

Languages changes all the time

but take care who supplies your nouns.

Who can be the "candidate for change"?

If everyone who runs for office knows

that one's appeal to status quo

is a condition of electability,

then "change" means nothing more than

Vote For Me.

Andrew Periale

Rochester Poet Laureate

Yes on spending cap

To the Editor:

On Nov. 4, we have a choice in Rochester. We can vote in favor of a tax and spending cap amendment to the city charter. It will put our city on a sustainable budget, a vague concept for past and present big spenders. Despite warnings from concerned citizens for several years, budgets have increased 8.8 percent per year with 2.5 percent inflation. Generous employee contracts with five plus percent increases for almost two decades have taken their toll. They have borrowed us into a hole and say we can't afford to pave our roads.

Several other cities and towns in New Hampshire have tax and spending caps, among them Dover, Franklin, Laconia, Derry and Nashua. They seem to be doing fine. Obviously, their leaders must pay more attention to their priorities each year and plan better for their future. What is wrong with that?

Laconia actually spends one million dollars cash a year on road repair. City Manager Eileen Cabanel would have told us that at the Chamber of Commerce Tax Cap Forum. Apparently, she stayed home after being contacted by one of our city leaders. Why is open discussion so disdained in Rochester?

Employees in these locales have not been laid off and services continue. Revenue is more predictable and increases every year in proportion to taxpayer ability to pay. Predictable taxes and stable government encourage businesses to move to Rochester and can do nothing but improve on the city's miserable record of revitalizing downtown.

We are being subjected to the eleventh hour negative attacks and fear mongering. The group responsible is composed of unionized government employees. Surprise! They feign concern for lack of services with no factual evidence. The bottom line is really continuing the gravy train, that is the next three-year contract. Follow the money.

At the Oct. 21 City Council workshop, Councilor Labranche called citizens who support the tax cap "naive." I argue that they have more common sense than he realizes and can see through the smoke and mirrors. Taxes increase too much each year and we need relief from the excessive spending. Vote yes on Nov. 4.

Tom Kaczynski Jr.

Rochester

Underdogs

To the Editor:

Wake up America! The time is short, the need is great — and the need can be met by a resolute mix of American voters.

Forces of the extremist left, led by the Soros/Obama camp, have been articulate over the years; but articulate without integrity and devoid of true concern for our Constitutional Republic and for us Americans who support it. Proof of this is available in matters of public record, including convincing "online" information.

In the last two years of Democrat party control of Congress, its approval rating by the American people has dropped to less than 15 percent. There are multiple Democrat failures relative to the economic disaster. One notable failure: Senators Dodd/Frank/Obama manipulated "Fannie May and Freddie Mac" for millions of dollars at the expense of the poor and middle class. And Obama is a presidential candidate? Obama is an "empty suit;" at the bidding of George Soros, the Marxist billionaire.

Diversion and pathological lying have been mastered by the Democrat hierarchy. We all know about the corrupt and fraudulent Acorn organization. Here's the latest about pandering for votes: Both the Obama camp and N.H.'s Carol Shea-Porter claim support by the VFW. I have been a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for 47 years. The VFW does not endorse candidates. In fact, about 85 percent of VFW members do not support Sen. Obama or Carol Shea-Porter. We support our country and the integrity and capability of McCain/Palin.

A separate organization (not under control of VFW) is VFW PAC. If PAC is involved, PAC leadership at the national and N.H. levels have failed in their job performance relative to the VFW membership approval requirement.

For voters who have questions about Sen. Obama, check in with www.democratsformccain.com. Independents have Senator Joe Lieberman, former democrat, as a source of information.

For the well being of our country, proven integrity and proven capability are musts. The McCain/Palin team meets that requirement for positive change. Obama does not. Country First! Vote for God and Country.

C.E. "Mac" McLean

LtCol. USMC (Ret.)

Durham

Rise above attack ads: vote for Carol Shea-Porter

To the Editor:

The negative ads of the U.S. presidential campaign have attracted much attention from the media. But what about the slams and falsehoods leveled at candidates for other political offices? Where are the analysts and debunkers when a congressional candidate hurls poisonous lies into the airwaves, as Jeb Bradley has recently done in his ads against Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter? Those ads spuriously attacking Carol on housing subsidies and on supporting veterans are the works of a desperate challenger who knows he is up against formidable competence.

If you have turned your back on politics because of the ugliness, you are missing out on an opportunity to raise the bar. If you claim that all politicians are alike, you have not been paying attention to the way Shea-Porter works. First and foremost, she is a person of great integrity, so she always takes the high road. She trusts her constituents, so she has no need to resort to distorting truths or fear-mongering. She knows what she is talking about. Above all, she is a straight shooter.

All that it takes for incompetence and questionable ethics to gain power is for people of good conscience to stay silent and do nothing. Speak up against the kind of politics that Jeb Bradley merely plays at. On Nov. 4 vote to send Carol back to Congress, where she will continue to work her heart out for us all.

Robin Mower

Durham

Imagine all the bumpers

To the Editor:

I have a plain, black and white bumper sticker on the rear bumper of my $700 car which reads like a New York Times page one headline: "NUCLEAR WMDs FOUND IN U.S. MILITARY". Underneath the headline, in smaller type, the sub headline reads, "Source of Intelligence: Alexander J. Boros, write-in candidate for president". One bumper sticker per household, please.

P.S. I paid for the printing of said bumper stickers by playing John Lennon's "Imagine" on my guitar (case open) at the gated entrance to the Durham, NH Fourth of July fireworks a couple years back. T'was a resounding, patriotic success. Will sing for votes.

Alexander J. Boros

Rochester

Please help one another

To the Editor:

We should be ashamed of ourselves when people find fault with one another. If only we would help one another instead of being spiteful or criticizing people for the way they dress or appear. Remember it could be you who is hungry, has "bad" clothes and no food. Please help one another and remember God.

James Jacob

Rochester

Vote for Julie Brown

To the Editor:

Julie Brown is running for re-election as a State representative from District 1.

Julie has served her constituents and the state admirably in her 20 years as our Representative. If you are one of those who sought her assistance in solving a problem, you know first hand that she will do all in her power to find answers and solutions for you.

She works tirelessly on children's issues and is very passionate about improving the many conditions that threaten the welfare of our children. One year this dedication won her the coveted and well-deserved award of "Voice of Children" given by Children and Family Services. Only two legislators have received this prestigious award and Julie is the only legislator in the Seacoast area to have been so honored. This certainly speaks very highly of her outstanding reputation as a state legislator.

I served in the Legislature with Julie for 14 of her 20 years there and know how dedicated she is and how hard she works for all of us.

Please join me on Nov. 4 in casting your vote for Julie Brown so that she might continue her fine work on our behalf.

Patricia C. Dunlap

Former State Representative

Rochester

Vote Fenton Groen for State Senate

To the Editor:

On Nov. 4, I will be casting my vote for Fenton Groen for District 6 State Senator. I have had the opportunity to talk with Fenton and I've read and listened to his vision for New Hampshire. He knows that in order to maintain the New Hampshire Advantage, we must go back to fiscal responsibility and less government regulation. No more 17.5 percent increases in the state budget and no more talk of a "fair" tax.

Fenton knows that a New Hampshire without broad based taxes is a New Hampshire that will continue to grow and prosper, even in the most difficult of economic times. Fenton has the business experience we need in Concord. Working within the means of the taxpayer and keeping government from intruding in our lives is the New Hampshire way.

I'm also particularly proud that Fenton has endorsed the tax and spending cap initiative in Rochester. He realizes that many small businesses, families and our most vulnerable citizens on fixed and low incomes benefit from a local government that controls spending.

So, please join me in voting for the best District 6 Senate candidate to help lead New Hampshire out of the fiscal mess that our state legislature and Governor have lead us into. Vote for Fenton Groen Nov. 4.

Fred Leonard

Rochester

Vote for Carol Shea-Porter

To the Editor:

Rarely have I ever been as enthusiastic about a candidate as I am about re-electing Carol Shea-Porter to Congress. She has been unwavering in her support for the middle class and for veterans, for "the rest of us" back here at home. Her funds come from the grass roots, not special interests, and that's who she looks out for. What a privilege it is to have this smart, independent woman representing us in Congress. She has earned our continued support by keeping her promises and working hard on our behalf. Please join me in voting for Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire's first-ever Congresswoman, Nov. 4.

Jane Vachon

Strafford

Obama not ready for presidency

To the Editor:

When one reads the qualifications to be President of the United States as defined in the Article II of the U.S Constitution, it is clear that Senator Barack Hussein Obama is not qualified for the job, independent of his views on social, domestic and foreign policy matters. The President has the following responsibilities:

1. The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.

2. He shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.

3. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties.

4. Shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States.

5. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union.

6. He shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers.

7. He shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

8. Shall commission all the officers of the United States.

Senator Barack Hussein Obama's only experience has been a community organizer, a law professor, a state senator for Illinois, and recently a U.S. Senator since 2004, when after 143 days in office he began running for the presidency. Not one day of executive experience. America should not gamble with some one who has a razor thin resume such as this as compared to Senator John McCain who has served in the military, been a POW, been a congressman for two terms since 1982, and a U.S Senator from 1986 to the present. When one throws in the narrow resume of Senator Barack Hussein Obama and all the questions of his associations of William Ayers, and Jeremiah Wright, and also his most liberal ranking in the U.S. Senate, the choice is clear. Senator Barack Hussein Obama is not ready to be President of the United States. The United States is not ready for Senator Barack Hussein Obama, whose policies will make Senator Ted Kennedy look like Ronald Reagan by comparison if elected.

Jack T Fredyma

Dover

John Sununu: a great statesman

To the Editor:

Anyone who didn't have the opportunity to watch the recent debate held at New England College in Henniker between Sen. John Sununu and former N.H. Gov. Jeanne Shaheen missed a great opportunity to witness why all voters should support the senator in the upcoming Nov. 4 election.

Sen. Sununu controlled the stage the majority of the time and, unless the television cameras focused on all three participants present on the stage, some viewers must have wondered if only two people were involved in the debate — those being, Sen. Sununu and the moderator. Gov. Shaheen appeared to be nervous from the start and, as the event progressed, she fumbled the ball many times when it was in her court. She struggled to adequately answer many of the questions presented to her by the moderator, panelists and the senator.

During the debate, Sen. Sununu had the opportunity to defend his votes and dedicated work in the U.S. Senate and, consequently, address the distorted accusations that Jeanne Shaheen and her liberal followers have been continually waging against him in the media and at public events. It was apparent throughout the entire debate that Sen. Sununu possesses all of the qualities, knowledge, expertise, common sense, honesty and dedication needed by a great statesman to properly represent N.H.'s constituents in the U.S. Senate.

For any readers of this letter who doubt Sen. Sununu's abilities and willingness to properly represent the people of N.H., at all times, in Washington D.C., I suggest that you read an article that appeared in The Weekly Standard in June, 2008 — written by P.J. O'Rourke and titled: "Mr. Sununu Goes to Washington." Foster's Daily Democrat published an editorial June 23, 2008 that referred its readers to The Weekly Standard article and indicated "It is a must-read before November 4th."

Mentioned articles can be viewed online via the following links: www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/GJOPINION_01/228195740&SearchID=73333740117577 and www.weeklystandard.com/Utilities/printer_preview.asp?idArticle=15198&R=13ADFCC.

We need to send John Sununu back to the senate in November to keep fighting for New Hampshire. Please join me in voting for Senator Sununu.

Carolyn Geiler

Somersworth

Alan the plumber for Denley

To the Editor:

I support Bill Denley for the State Senate. I have been a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 131 for more than 30 years and I have been a union worker and Democrat for my whole life. In 2006, I ran against Bill to be one of the Representatives in Concord. Bill won that race with the most votes of the four of us running. He deserves to win the Senate seat too.

The Democrats have spent too much money in the past two years that now the state is broke and now has to start laying people off. Everybody is feeling the pinch of the bad economy and the state needs to tighten its belt like the rest of us.

Bill has promised to put the brakes on all the spending and taxes — which is what makes sense for working people. He has the brains to fix the mess that the Democrats have made in Concord and we should send him there as our Senator.

Alan Mayranen

Wakefield

Re-elect Lauterborn to State House

To the Editor:

I highly support Elaine Lauterborn for election to the N.H. Legislature. I have had the pleasure of working with Elaine for the past several years on the Rochester City Council. As Mayor of Rochester, I am particularly grateful to have her assistance as Deputy Mayor.

During this time I have been impressed with her character and her approach to serving the city. Foremost is her integrity. After thoughtful consideration of an issue she will take a clear stand. I have no doubt that lobbyists will have no influence on her as I have seen that she is often not even influenced by close associates. Elaine carefully considers any issue on its merits. She keeps an open mind and will consider additional information, but in the end she makes her decision based on principle and what is in the best interest of the public she serves.

Elaine is very well organized and is always prepared. She does her "homework" and adds value to our meetings. Although Elaine is assertive, she is also a team player. She is always respectful to her peers in council, the city staff and the public. As a new councilor, I frequently sought her advice and as a mayor I still do. Elaine is very approachable and responsive to the needs of individuals who ask for help.

I have been with her as she personally visited residents of the city to investigate issues and seek a fair resolution of problems. Elaine has the respect of her peers on city council. She has been elected by her peers to be Deputy Mayor for the last two terms. As council representative to the N.H. Municipal Association, which makes recommendations on legislation pending before the N.H. Legislature, she is already familiar and involved with state issues as they impact cities. In addition she participates on other boards and committees which gives her an excellent background and perspective to hit the ground running as a N.H. State Representative.

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to have Elaine Lauterborn represent us in the N.H. House of Representatives.

John H Larochelle

Mayor of Rochester

Re-elect Bill Brennan to State House

To the Editor:

This is to urge Rochester voters to return Rep. William Brennan to the New Hampshire House Nov. 4.

I have served in the House with Mr. Brennan and have come to respect his ability and commitment. He presently serves on the Veterans Affairs Committee, serving veterans anyway possible. He also sponsored a new bill that would place a freeze on property taxes for those 80 and over. He is responsive to the increased needs in our state and wants to address those needs in the lest painful way possible.

He has served five terms. I should be noted that Mr. Brennan has a 100 percent attendance record and answered all roll calls. He is a proud veteran. Also, he is an eight-year Rochester School Board member.

It is obvious that Bill Brennan is an asset to Rochester. He has the desire and the ability to continue doing a great job as a Representative. He continues to bring objectivity to the position. Bill Brennan should be retained — that's for sure.

Rep. Roland Hofemann

Dover

Shea-Porter works hard

To the Editor:

Does anyone think that Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter actually disrespects Gold Star Mothers who have lost a son or daughter in combat? Or that she's for subsidized housing for sex offenders and drug dealers? Or that she, as a military spouse and daughter, as member of the House Armed Services Committee, and endorsed by the VFW-PAC and many other veterans organizations, voted against the troops? Or that she went on vacation and skipped an opportunity to lower energy prices?

Her opponent, Jeb Bradley, has offered no real reason to vote for him. His only campaign strategy seems to be to tear down Congresswoman Shea-Porter. But that's not so easy to do.

As most people know by now, Congresswoman Shea-Porter has been hard at work representing us for the last two years. She sticks to a positive message telling us what she's been doing and wants to do for veterans, working families, the shipyard, college students and children.

Jeb's charges don't stick because we all know Congresswoman Shea-Porter fights for all of us each and every day. Based on her two years of solid legislative results and conscientious constituency work, Carol Shea-Porter has earned re-election to Congress.

Margaret Kelley

Dover

Supporting tax and spending cap

To the Editor:

The City of Dover has a tax and spending cap in place. Foster's recently reported that a home there valued at $279,000 will have a tax increase of $79.

In Rochester, home of the self-proclaimed fiscally conservative city council, the same home will have an increase of $373, almost $300 more.

I know I'll be voting in favor of the tax and spending cap on Nov. 4.

Leo Gosselin

Rochester

Right is wrong

To the Editor:

How much more can we the people put up with by the rabid raging raving rhetoric ridden right-wing Republican rubbish rambler leadership?

You cannot trust Republicans with your money. That should be a no-brainer at this stage after eight long, miserable years of Bush/Cheney, McCain, Sununu and that of Jeb Bradley. I believe the right has never been so wrong. I also believe the left has never been so right.

Smear and fear seem to be the only artillery McCain, Sununu and Bradley have in their arsenal. Aren't the American people sick and tired of that? I sure am.

You have the power to help our country heal. Join me in voting for the children and for the planet, for the working class and for our veterans and our seniors and also for our fire fighters. Join me in voting Democrat on Nov. 4. Your children will love you for it. Ever notice how the Republicans want to try to legislate morality, religion and even patriotism? It is time to heal our country. Vote Democrat.

John Joyal

Somersworth

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